ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Which response best describes the type of information found in the "objective" section of a client's SOAP notes?

1. Exercises occasionally and expresses dissatisfaction

2. A 35-year-old female, weight 260 lb, married with no children

3. Client is generally healthy but inactive and has obesity

4. Reported eating three servings of vegetables daily

The correct answer is: A 35-year-old female, weight 260 lb, married with no children

The "objective" section of a client's SOAP notes includes factual, measurable information that can be observed or quantified, rather than subjective statements or self-reported information. In this context, identifying specific demographics such as the age, gender, weight, and marital status of the client provides concrete data about the client. This type of information is critical for creating a baseline and for tracking changes over time, which allows health coaches to formulate more effective plans and interventions. In contrast, the other options contain subjective assessments or self-reported behaviors. For instance, expressing dissatisfaction is a subjective viewpoint, while general health status, inactive lifestyle, or dietary habits like eating servings of vegetables are either interpretations or self-reported data that aren't directly measurable. Thus, the objective section is distinguished by its reliance on verified facts rather than perceptions or reports.